Chinese mining companies have invested over US$5.1 billion in Zambia and created approximately 19,000 local jobs as of the end of 2025, with their copper output accounting for over 15% of the country’s total production.
Speaking during a Tax Compliance and Risk Management Workshop in Lusaka today, Economic and Commercial Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Zambia, Jin Jun, highlighted the growing role of Chinese enterprises in the country’s mining sector and called for deeper cooperation and continued investment.
“By the end of 2025, 45 companies have invested more than US$5.1 billion and collectively employed around 19,000 local workers. The copper output from the Chinese-invested mines accounted for more than 15% of Zambia’s total copper production,” he said.
Mr. Jun noted that China remains the largest export market for Zambia’s refined copper and emphasized the long-standing partnership between the two countries.
He pointed to the acquisition of Chambishi Copper Mine in 1998 as a milestone that marked the beginning of sustained Chinese investment in Zambia’s mining industry.
“Over the subsequent two decades, Chinese mining companies in Zambia have steadily grown in number, expanded in scale, and increased their investment,” he noted.
Mr. Jun further highlighted the role of technology transfer, noting that Chinese companies have introduced advanced equipment to modernize Zambia’s mining sector.
He said these include electric mining trucks and specialized water pumps, which support greener and more efficient operations.
Mr. Jun called for stronger collaboration between the two nations to support Zambia’s ambition of producing three million metric tons of copper annually.
“The Chinese government will continue to support Chinese enterprises in making further contributions towards achieving Zambia’s national goals,” Mr. Jun assured. “I urge all Chinese enterprise to expand practical cooperation and pursue more substantial outcomes.”
